Reaching a widely diverse group of students requires flexible means and methods. These “Five Rules of Design Thinking” will help any teacher find new ways to approach the important work of providing quality educational opportunities to each and every student. Careful attention to the design process has the potential for overcoming many barriers before they become obstacles to student achievement. The “Rules” come from the lives of historical figures and examples of the barriers that they faced, and the unique ways they overcame them. We can use the same ideas today.

Michael Roush specializes in educational technology, assistive technology, and Universal Design for Learning. Michael has previously taught at the high school and college level, and worked for over 10 years providing school improvement and special education consulting with the Ohio Region 14 State Support Team. He currently serves as Customer Service Coordinator in the IT Department at Wilmington College. Michael and his wife, Angie, live in rural southwestern Ohio. They have four adult children, and two in elementary school.